1. Making a Living (1914)

Keystone 1914

Synopsis

Chaplin's Keystone debut sees him as an impoverished and inebriate gentleman who begs the better-heeled Lehrman for a loan. The refusal offends, and as they compete for a job as a newspaper reporter they become rivals. Charlie and Lehrman battle it out to be first to the editor with a scoop, and they are still battling it out at the end when they are carried off on the front of a streetcar.

chaplin_credits

Director:

Henry Lehrman

Scenario:

?Reed Heustis

Cast:

Charles Chaplin (Slicker)

Virginia Kirtley (Girl)

Alice Davenport (Mother)

Henry Lehrman (Reporter)

Minta Durfee (Woman at car wreck)

Chester Conklin (policeman/ bum)

Tammany Young (onlooker) unverified

Shooting days:

December 17-January 9

Negative sent from LA:

January 14

Received in New York:

January 20

Released:

February 2 1914

Length:

1030 feet

Keystone working title:

The Reporters.

Other titles:

A Busted Johnny, Troubles, Doing His Best, Take My Picture.